Do not panic if the baby does not defecate in a few days because it is not necessarily dangerous. The frequency of bowel movements in toddlers can vary according to age and the type of intake given. But if you're still restless, see how to treat a baby who doesn't have a bowel movement below.
If the baby has bowel movements too infrequently, parents may think that the baby may be constipated or constipated. Before thinking so, make sure you know how the normal frequency of bowel movements (BAB) in babies.
Signs of Normal CHAPTER in Babies
There are several benchmarks that parents can use to determine whether their baby is constipated or not. The benchmarks include the frequency of bowel movements, stool conditions, and the condition of the baby.
- CHAPTER FREQUENCYBabies aged 1-4 months normally defecate 2-4 times a day. After they get to know solid food, the frequency of defecation is usually reduced to just once a day. But in general, babies who defecate 3 times a day up to a week can be considered still within normal limits.
- Stool color
Stool colors to watch out for are white, black, and red. White stool means the baby's liver is not producing enough bile to digest food. Meanwhile, black and red stools indicate bleeding in the digestive tract.
- baby expression
Also pay attention to how the baby's expression when he is defecating. If their face looks tense, cries, or screams when they have a bowel movement, they may be constipated. Babies who suffer from constipation will generally feel pain when their stomach is touched, their stools look dry or hard, and they tend to refuse to eat.
How to Overcome Babies Not BAB
To deal with the baby not defecating, you can do the following:
- Switch to another type of milk
Meanwhile, if constipation is experienced by babies who are fed formula milk, you can switch to other brands of formula milk. There may be ingredients in formula milk that make him constipated.
- Give pureeIf your baby can only consume solid food, give it puree (mashed food) of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber which can improve digestion.
- Give solid food
Little ones who can already eat solid foods can be given vegetables and fruits that are rich in fiber such as apples, mangoes, guavas, carrots, bananas, and broccoli. Your little one can also be given whole grain cereal and porridge from brown rice to help him launch a bowel movement.
- Meet fluid needs
Adequate body fluids are very important for the condition of the Little One. Water and milk are actually enough to meet fluid needs. However, for babies under 6 months, consult your doctor first about giving other fluids besides breast milk and formula.
- Massage
Gently massaging the baby's tummy for 3 minutes can stimulate bowel movements. To measure which part of the stomach needs to be massaged, place your index, middle and ring fingers under your little one's navel. The lower left side of your finger is where you need to massage.
- Physical trainingA lot of moving helps smooth digestion in babies who do not defecate. When your little one can crawl, encourage him to be active. Meanwhile, if not, lay your little one in a supine position and then move his legs like pedaling a bicycle.
Parents are advised not to give any medicine to treat a baby who does not defecate, if it is not according to the doctor's advice.
Signs of a baby not having a bowel movement to watch out for
Babies do not defecate because constipation is normal, especially when there is a change in diet. However, if constipation occurs in newborns, parents should immediately contact a doctor so that they can be treated as soon as possible.
Be aware if the baby's bowel movements are very hard, the baby is under four months old, seems fussy or in pain, has a fever, and if the baby has not had a bowel movement within 24 hours of his usual routine. Blood-red, white, and black stools are also cause for concern.
Parents are obliged to take their little one to the pediatrician if the baby does not defecate even though the above countermeasures have been carried out and there are signs to watch out for.
